A Collection of California Central Coast Rock Balances

An ephemeral art form more commonly known as a Rock Balance!

I love the practice of balancing rocks; I love photography; I love living in San Luis Obispo County = a magical combination!
I have had the pleasure of building the Balances in this gallery; sometimes with the help of a close friend or family member!

Rock Balancing - is a practice of creativity, balance, patience, strength and endurance.
The actual building process proves to be an outstanding expenditure of time, thought and effort while experiencing some of nature's finest elements,
and 'being' in some of nature's exceptional places!

I fully understand and relate with the 'WHY...' as written by exceptional Stone Balancer, Michael Grab:
"Over the past few years of practicing rock balance, simple curiosity has evolved into therapeutic ritual, ultimately nurturing meditative presence, mental well-being, and artistry of design. Alongside the art, setting rocks into balance has also become a way of showing appreciation, offering thanksgiving, and inducing meditation. Through manipulation of gravitational threads, the ancient stones become a poetic dance of form and energy, birth and death, perfection and imperfection. they become a reflection of ourselves in a way; precariously sturdy, mysterious and fragile. The ephemeral nature of the balance often encourages contemplations of non-attachment, beauty, and even death. one of the most lovely experiences in practicing rock balance is the unspoken dialogue between the rocks, the surrounding environment and my own creative flow. It is a remarkably sensual experience to feel for balance points and realize them. The positive reactions from people and community often inspire me to continue balancing in public areas. The effect it has tends to be spiritual in nature. For most people, seeing rocks precariously balanced is completely out of the ordinary. the eyes will often argue with the mind over how such a structure can remain in equilibrium."

The term Cairn is also used regarding rock balances; mainly in the English-speaking world. It comes from the Irish: carn (plural cairn) or Scottish Gaelic: càrn (plural càirn).
Cairns are found all over the world, simply described as a man-made pile or stack of stones. They vary in size from small stone markers to entire artificial hills, and in complexity from loose, conical rock piles to delicately balanced sculptures and elaborate feats of megalithic engineering. Cairns may be painted or otherwise decorated, e.g. for increased visibility, for religious reasons or just for the fun of it!
In modern times, cairns are often erected as landmarks, a use they have had since ancient times. Since prehistory, they have also been built as sepulchral monuments, or used for defensive, hunting, ceremonial, astronomical and other purposes.